Post-doc (M/F) - Fluorine Free Polyurethane Foams - Industrial Collaboration

Job Description

Missions

Polyurethane (PU) foams expanded using fluorinated gases have long been valued for their unique combination of low density, controlled cellular structure, and excellent thermal insulation properties. These characteristics make them indispensable materials for applications ranging from building insulation to demanding industrial environments, particularly under cryogenic conditions. They are widely used for the insulation of liquefied gas tanks (methane, hydrogen, oxygen), thereby playing a crucial role in the energy and transport sectors.
However, fluorinated blowing agents raise significant environmental concerns, particularly due to their high global warming potential. As members of the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) family, they are now subject to strict European regulations, which threaten their use in the near future.
In this context, the development of fluorine-free alternative PU foams is a priority. The challenge is to design new formulations that retain the key advantages of current cryogenic PU foams, including controlled cellular structure, good dimensional stability, and high thermomechanical performance at very low temperatures, while remaining compatible with existing industrial processing methods (casting, spraying, high-pressure foaming machines, etc.).
The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for developing novel polyurethane foams for cryogenic thermal insulation using non-fluorinated blowing agents. These agents have specific physicochemical properties (e.g., boiling point, polarity) that strongly influence foam formation and processing.

Activity

The research will aim to: (i) establish clear relationships between the properties of the blowing agents and the characteristics of the resulting foams (cell morphology, thermomechanical performance, substrate adhesion, etc.); (ii) evaluate the performance of the new formulations at the laboratory scale under conditions simulating industrial processing methods (spraying, casting, high-pressure foaming).

Your Profil

Skills

We are looking for a highly motivated researcher holding a PhD in Chemistry and/or Polymer Physical Chemistry. Prior experience in the field of polyurethane foams will be considered a strong advantage.
Additional expertise in the thermodynamics of blowing agents and/or hands-on experience with industrial processing techniques (e.g., high-pressure foaming equipment, spraying) will also be highly valued.
The successful candidate will demonstrate scientific rigor, autonomy, and initiative, along with a strong interest in experimental research and collaborative work in an environment at the interface between academic research and industry.

Your Work Environment

This postdoctoral position will be carried out at the LCPO (Laboratoire de Chimie des Polymères Organiques, UMR 5629), a joint research unit under the supervision of the CNRS, the University of Bordeaux, and Bordeaux INP. With around 150 members organized into four research teams, LCPO is a leading research laboratory in the field of polymer science, covering areas including polymer synthesis and polymerization engineering, bio-based polymers and biopolymers, polymer self-assembly and physical chemistry, and the development of polymeric materials for applications in energy, electronics, and life sciences.
The project will be conducted in collaboration with ArianeGroup, a major player in the aerospace and space sectors, and GTT (Gaztransport & Technigaz), a world-leading company specializing in cryogenic containment and transportation technologies for liquefied natural gas. This collaboration provides a stimulating environment at the interface between academic research and industrial innovation, focusing on the development of materials that meet particularly demanding performance requirements.
The project is part of the ANR Industrial Chair SPACE-MAT – Sustainable Polymers for Advanced Materials in Aerospace and Transport, established in 2025. The chair aims to develop sustainable, high-performance materials for strategic applications in the aerospace and maritime transport sectors. Its research activities include the development of foams for cryogenic insulation and bio-based resins for advanced composite materials. SPACE-MAT combines fundamental research with technological development, with the ambition of addressing performance, environmental impact reduction, and material safety challenges simultaneously.
Within this framework, three major challenges have been identified: developing polyurethane foams for cryogenic insulation with a reduced carbon footprint, designing safer materials based on feedstocks that are more respectful of human health and the environment, and ensuring the availability of high-performance materials for strategic industrial sectors.

Constraints and risks

NA

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

€3,041 gross per month

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

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